Reclaiming Home: Contemporary Seminole Art

Reclaiming Home: Contemporary Seminole Art showcases the work of 12 contemporary Seminole artists who blend traditional skills with innovative modes of expression, addressing social issues impacting Native communities. The book includes critical essays, artist statements, and an interview, emphasizing contemporary art as a powerful expression of Native sovereignty.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2023
Publisher: Scala Arts & Heritage Publishers Ltd

Reclaiming Home: Contemporary Seminole Art delves into the captivating narratives of Native American survival and resistance, showcasing the remarkable work of 12 contemporary artists hailing from the Seminole diaspora. This visually stunning volume offers a profound exploration of how these artists seamlessly blend traditional skills and techniques, inherited from their elders, family members, and ancestors, with innovative modes of expression and diverse materials, including photo-based and digital collage techniques, performance, video, installation art, and mixed media. Through their artistic creations, they engage with concepts of hybridity and image-making, highlighting pressing social issues impacting Native communities today. From environmental protection to public health imperatives, their work serves as a powerful testament to Native sovereignty. Accompanied by critical and personal essays by esteemed scholars, artists' statements, and an insightful interview, Reclaiming Home: Contemporary Seminole Art presents contemporary art as a profound expression of Native identity and resilience.

Introduction:
Reclaiming Home: Contemporary Seminole Art is a captivating exploration of the artistic expressions of the Seminole diaspora. This stunning volume showcases the work of 12 contemporary artists who blend traditional skills and techniques with innovative modes of expression, utilizing a diverse range of materials. Through their art, these artists engage with concepts of hybridity and image-making, addressing social issues that impact Native communities today.

Traditional Skills and Techniques:
The artists in this collection draw upon their rich heritage of traditional skills and techniques, which have been passed down through generations. They incorporate knowledge gained from elders, family members, and ancestors, infusing their work with a sense of cultural authenticity. These skills include basket weaving, pottery, painting, and sculpture, among others.

Innovative Modes of Expression:
In addition to their traditional skills, the artists in Reclaiming Home embrace innovative modes of expression to convey their narratives and perspectives. They experiment with photo-based and digital collage techniques, performance, video, installation art, and mixed media, allowing them to create visually stunning and thought-provoking works. These artistic approaches enable the artists to explore new dimensions of creativity and convey their messages in unique and powerful ways.

Hybridity and Image-Making:
One of the central themes of the artists' work is hybridity, which reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the Seminole diaspora. They blend elements of their Native American heritage with influences from other cultures, creating a unique and dynamic visual language. Through their images, the artists challenge traditional notions of identity and representation, highlighting the complexities and diversity of Native communities.

Social Issues:
The artists in Reclaiming Home address a range of social issues that impact Native communities today. They draw attention to environmental protection, public health, cultural preservation, and the ongoing struggles for sovereignty and self-determination. Their work serves as a powerful platform for raising awareness and promoting change, challenging the dominant narratives and promoting a more inclusive and equitable society.

Critical and Personal Essays:
The volume is accompanied by critical and personal essays by leading scholars and artists, providing deeper insights into the artists' work and its historical and cultural significance. These essays offer valuable perspectives on the role of art in shaping cultural identity and the ongoing struggles of Native communities.

Artist Statements:
The artists themselves contribute their statements, sharing their inspirations, motivations, and the messages they hope to convey through their art. These statements provide a personal touch to the volume, allowing the readers to connect with the artists on a deeper level and understand the significance of their work in their communities.

Conclusion:
Reclaiming Home: Contemporary Seminole Art is a testament to the resilience and creativity of Native American communities. Through their art, these artists reclaim their heritage, celebrate their identity, and raise awareness about social issues that impact their communities. This volume showcases the power of contemporary art to inspire, challenge, and promote change, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society.

Weight: 764g
Dimension: 242 x 281 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785514142